Books: And So to Press

PEPYS

by RICHARD OLLARD 368 pages, Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

$12.50.

Diaries are more merciless than TV cameras at exposing those who would manipulate them. The diarist, in fact, plays a doubly dangerous game. If he fakes or withholds the evidence that is his life, he will certainly give himself away. On the other hand, to strip oneself bare is not necessarily to make oneself lovable. Samuel Pepys, the diarist's diarist, ran this second risk. The self that Pepys portrayed for nine years, beginning Jan. 1, 1660, was laid startlingly bare, so much so...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!